Faith Formation Update Newsletter
Sts. Mary & Matthew - 3.17.24 - 5th Sunday of Lent
A Note from Jeanette
Dear Families,
This weekend we celebrate the 5th Sunday of Lent (which also happens to be St. Patrick's Day), and as I was reading this week’s scripture passages, I began to reflect on the youth of our parish. Life is not easy for them today. Our world is unfortunately still filled with prejudice and hate, and the youth must find ways to navigate it – and that’s not easy. Their faith and their church community help them, but many young people don’t have that, or their faith isn’t nourished. So, when I read the second reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews, I found it very relatable to what not just our youth, but all of us, can understand – the humanity of Jesus. “In the days when Christ Jesus was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.” Loud cries and tears. How many times have we found ourselves doing the same? In those moments we must reach out to our loving a merciful God – KNOWING that he is there with us in our suffering?
This past Sunday evening at our high school youth group gathering we were low on numbers, but the few that were able to be there participated in a different way than they usually do. There was more time to interact personally, and when we were leaving, my other adult helper remarked what a great evening it was. The words, thoughts, and actions of the young people I minister to simply amaze me. They have deep faith (that with a bit of prodding) is shared with knowledge and enthusiasm. Last night was no exception. We’ve been working on our presentation for Good Friday, and their ideas allowed their faith to be heard. Some have a very deep and already grounded faith. Others are still trying to figure it all out. Yet, all of them are filled with the Holy Spirit. So, why am I relating all of this? Because for all the complaining so many of us do about today’s youth, I’m here to tell you that they are people with faith, virtue, and passion. I see it and it inspires me.
Our gospel passage from St. John is also shares the humanity of Jesus, as he tells his disciples that “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” The metaphor of the planted seed producing fruit certainly pertains to Jesus, but it does to us as well. We are given new life in baptism, and are continually “re” planted in the reception of the sacraments, allowing our lives to produce in us what God intended. We need nourishment to keep growing, and when the end of this life occurs, when we’ve accomplished and grown into what God created us to be, we are planted for the final time as we are raised to our new and eternal life. As Jesus says in this passage, “when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” That’s what we work for and grow toward. That’s what we live for. I’ve heard that heaven is seeing Jesus, face to face. I personally am hoping for a very big hug as well.
Faith Formation, Youth Ministry & Sacramental Preparation Schedule:
FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION - Saturday's, March 16, 23, April 6 & 27:
- All sessions will take place at St. Matthew's at 10:00 AM in the community room - all candidates should have completed reconciliation to proceed. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Jeanette.
Sunday, March 17 - St. Patrick's Day:
- Faith Formation - Gr. K - 5 immediately following the 8:30 AM Mass at St. Mary's; 9:15 - 10:15 AM at St. Matthew's
- CLOW (Children's Liturgy of the Word) both sites
- *Please note - in lieu of our confirmation preparation and Crossroads gatherings, we will be attending the new movie, CABRINI at 12:30 PM. Details are found below.
- Penance Service, 7:00 PM at St. Matthew's Church - In addition to Fr. Laird, extra priests will be in attendance to hear confessions. This is a great opportunity to fulfill your Lenten obligation of receiving reconciliation.
Movie Outing at the Geneseo Theater this Sunday!
The new movie on the life of St. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini is now out, and I would like to plan for confirmation candidates and both middle and high school youth group members to attend the screening on Sunday, March 17 at 12:30 PM at the Geneseo Theaters 6. This will be in place of our usual HS youth group gathering, and the confirmation prep. session scheduled for that day. Parents would have to be responsible for getting their children to and from the theater and we'd be happy for you to join us as well, and feel free to invite others. And...did you happen to notice the movie is playing in theater 3? The Father, Son and Holy Spirit will be present as well!
The cost of the tickets are below, and I'm excited because now I'm old enough to save 25 cents on my ticket price! Lol.
Readings
"Jesus answered them, 'The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.'"
Blog
Adults: When and in what way have you seen life come from death?
Children: When have you felt stronger because you sacrificed something for a friend or member of your family?
Youth Group Good Friday Presentation
Join us on Good Friday, March 29, at 7:00 PM at St. Matthew's Church, as the youth of our faith community present:
The Man on the Middle Cross - A scriptural journey through eight stations of reflections, readings and music. All are welcome!
"I'm standing here today
overwhelmed by grace
cause I know who paid my cost -
thank God, for the man on the middle cross"
And Lastly...HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!
An Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you,
may the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Until we meet again,
until we meet again,
may God hold you,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Traditional Gaelic Blessing
Richard Barry, a parishioner of St. Patrick Church in Mount Morris, exuberantly portrays St. Patrick delivering an exhortation to spread the Word of God and the message of salvation to the whole world!
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Faith Formation Mission Statement:
We strive to…
· Impart the Catholic faith as living and life-giving, teaching what Catholic’s believe and live, in response to that message of faith.
· Inspire students and families to be involved in the life of the parish, with opportunities for worship, community, and service.
· Encourage adults to continue their own religious development.
· Build a community of faith and compassion where all feel welcomed, respected, safe, and loved.